Augusten Burroughs delivers another ruthlessly funny, compelling read in his memoir, "Magical Thinking." Following his two startlingly honest best-sellers, Running with Scissors (2002) and Dry (2003), the self-described "alcoholic, high-school dropout raised in a cult by a crazy psychiatrist" unleashes a brand-new collection of real-life tales in which he extracts hilarity from every shred of his own warped experience. In "I Dated an Undertaker," a steamy sexual act is performed in the onetime viewing room for Rose Kennedy's wake. "Telemarketing Revenge" reveals a hilarious, if perhaps pornographically over-the-top, solution for those annoyingly relentless dinner-hour callers. And in "Debby's Requirements," a dwarfish, passive-aggressive cleaning lady takes the unsuspecting author to court- his response to the complaint is a gem. Burroughs is a proponent of "magical thinking," the belief- some readers might argue superstition- that a person can control the world with his mind. In the title story, his wish for the demise of a moody, potty-mouthed boss is granted, though not by means of a moving bus, as he would have liked. Steroid-induced cleaning sprees; sexual encounters with priests; a nerve-shredding session with a sadistic dentist's drill all add up to laugh-out-loud fun. "Magical Thinking" comes from the heart of a man "made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions." The stories offer the irresistibly offbeat perspective of Burroughs' viciously uncensored wit. "Magical Thinking" is a journey through an enchanted forest, a genuine delight to read.Read full review
Augusten Burroughs' writing is honest, personal and sarcasticly funny. He has learned how to mock his terrible upbringing and also some stories that would make many of us crumble. It feels as if you are sitting with the author himself and he is talking to you directly. The book is much more casual and less formal than most but I think that's what makes it so great. It's a book that is comfortable to be around, dispite some of the more disturbing stories in its contents. I highly suggest this book to anyone! I would also highly suggest that you read "Running With Scissors" first, which is a memoir of his childhood...then this book will make much more sense to you!
I decided to buy this book because Augusten Burroughs is my favorite author of all time and wanted to add it to my collection. What's great about his this book is it's a series of short stories, and chapters telling the tails of his life. I have followed all his books and this one mixes humor, thought provoking wonder and a bit of serious know how to involve the reader beyond just the pages in hand. His life and imagination make for one great book.
After finishing Dry, which I enjoyed immensely, I eagerly opened up this book. This one was a bit of a disappointment. Actually, I'm reluctant to criticize these stories, because what I really like about Augusten Burroughs is exactly what I didn't like in this particular book. I like his caustic wit. I like his honesty. I like his neurosis. I like that he sees the trees instead of the forest sometimes. However, some of these stories are just really boring. Some of them are funny. Some of them are less funny but have some really hysterical parts. Some of these are just like journal entries. . . and these are the stories I found to be a waste of time. For instance, when Augusten writes of Dennis, he writes with such love and affection that, had there been an actual story to tell, I would have really enjoyed reading that. But, at least two-- maybe three stories-- were just about the author's intense love and affection for this man. That's okay and all, and I'm happy that the author has found happiness, yet it is a bit boring to read for the reader! Additionally, there was one story where Burroughs steps on a baby's hand and moves away without explaining to the mother why the baby is crying. The mother thinks the baby wants a toy and scolds her instead of comforting her. Maybe this is funny to Burroughs-- who openly admits he's a bit of a cad and not too paternal-- but it's really cruel. And, although it might be funny if seen on Seinfeld, it's definitely not endearing and definitely doesn't arouse any empathy for the author from the reader. Neither does the cruel way he kills a mouse. Although the comments he makes after talking to a plumber WERE hilarious. I wouldn't recommend this book, but I do recommend Running with Scissors and Dry. I am awaiting my copy of Selevision, as well. I haven't given up on reading any other books he comes out with.Read full review
I’m working my way through all of Augusten Burroughs’ books. He is an amazingly hilarious writer. Very clever. It’s hard to put the book down.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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